Cypress trees, a major staple to plant life in the bayous, marshes and wetlands is a hauntingly beautiful and unique tree. Its root system is unique as well. Rather than having several roots, the cypress tree has one root, which is as wide as the tree. Its tap root is as deep as the height of the tree. If the cypress tree is 30 feet tall, the tap root is 30 feet deep. Cypress trees are known for being weather resistant – withstanding hurricane force winds.

Cypress knees are a distinctive structure in a root of acypresstree. It is thought the cypress knees help in providing oxygen to the tree and its roots; as well as assist in anchoring the tree in the soft, muddy soil. Another function is the cypress knees offer structural support and stabilization. The older the tree, the more cypress knees visible above the water line.